Search for Blackburn girl, 7, swept out to sea in Morocco to be called off
The Moroccan authorities say searches for Inaayah Makda will cease at the end of February
Last updated 25th Feb 2026
Moroccan authorities say the search for a seven-year-old girl from Blackburn who went missing in Casablanca will be called off at the end of the month.
Inaayah Makda has been on holiday with her family, when she was swept away by a wave on 28th January 2026.
Blackburn's MP, Adnan Hussain, has travelled to Rabat and Casablanca to support Inaayah's parents, Zubair and Tasneem.
He says they've met with Moroccan officials to discuss search efforts.
Severe weather conditions, including storms and flooding, complicated the search and led to the temporary closure of Casablanca Port, he says.
Moroccan authorities told the MP searches for Inaayah will end at the end of this month (February).
Mr Hussain has requested they continue, however.
He said: "Moroccan authorities have made the difficult assessment that the formal search operation will conclude at the end of this month.
"I have, however, requested that the authorities consider extending this period in light of the severe weather conditions that have affected the search. I await their response.
"I have also been assured that SOS alerts will remain active and neighbouring countries have been notified."
The British Embassy say they'll continue to keep in contact with the Moroccan authorities and Inaayah's family.